EPA seeking public comment

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on ways to disclose information about the chemicals used in the oil and gas drilling process known as fracking.

The EPA said in a Friday release that it is also seeing input on incentives and programs that could help develop safer fracking chemicals.

The 90-day comment period is an advanced notice of proposed new rules, but is no guarantee that the regulations will become law. The EPA could also propose voluntary steps for energy companies to take.

During the fracking process water, sand and chemicals are injected into such deep underground formations to free oil or gas.

The gas rich Marcellus shale lies under large parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and New York.